Fish fillets with lemon butter is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of tender fish fillets and tangy lemon butter sauce creates a burst of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
To make this dish, start by selecting fresh fish fillets. Popular options include cod, sole, halibut, or tilapia. Lightly season the fillets with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet with melted butter until they are golden brown on both sides.
While the fish is cooking, prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir the mixture until the butter is fully melted and well combined with the other ingredients.
Once the fish fillets are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for an added pop of color and freshness. Serve the fish fillets with lemon butter alongside your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.
The Best Fish Fillet Recipe
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh fish fillets (such as cod or halibut)
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
First, season the fish fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the fish fillets to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
In a separate small saucepan, melt additional butter and stir in fresh lemon juice. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the fish fillets from the skillet and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve the fish fillets with lemon butter alongside your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or rice. The tangy lemon butter sauce pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the fish, creating a dish that is both delicious and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this fish fillet recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
How to Make Lemon Butter for Fish Fillet
To make lemon butter, you will need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. While the butter is melting, zest the lemon using a grater or a zester. Be careful not to grate the bitter white pith beneath the yellow zest. Once the butter has melted, add the lemon zest to the saucepan.
Add the juice of the lemon to the saucepan and stir well to combine. Season the lemon butter with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice; if you prefer it milder, add less.
Continue cooking the lemon butter for a few more minutes until it is well mixed and heated through. Be careful not to let it boil or simmer, as this can cause the sauce to separate. Once the lemon butter is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
| Lemon Butter Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter | Melt in a saucepan over medium heat. |
| 1 lemon | Zest and juice the lemon. |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Add to the saucepan, stir well to combine. |
| Cook for a few minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. | |
Once the lemon butter has cooled slightly, it is ready to be drizzled over your perfectly cooked fish fillet. The rich and tangy flavor of the lemon butter will complement the delicate taste of the fish, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
Remember to experiment with the amounts of lemon juice and seasoning to create the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds. Enjoy!
Tips for Cooking Perfect Fish Fillet
1. Choose fresh fish fillets:
When it comes to cooking fish, selecting fresh fillets is crucial. Look for fish that has clear, shiny eyes, vibrant skin, and a mild, briny smell. Avoid fish with dull eyes, discolored skin, or a strong fishy odor.
2. Properly season the fish:
Seasoning the fish fillets before cooking is essential to enhance the flavors. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices that complement the type of fish you are using, such as thyme, dill, or paprika.
3. Use a hot skillet:
When cooking fish fillets, it’s important to use a hot skillet to achieve a crispy and golden exterior. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the seasoned fillets into the skillet, skin side down if applicable, and cook them for a few minutes on each side until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
4. Avoid overcooking:
Overcooking fish can result in a dry and tough texture. To ensure your fish fillets are tender and juicy, it’s important to cook them just until they are opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remember that fish continues to cook even after it has been removed from the heat, so it’s better to slightly undercook it and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. Add a touch of acidity:
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of vinegar can add a bright and tangy flavor to your fish fillets. The acidity cuts through the richness of the fish and enhances its natural flavors. Consider serving the fish fillets with a lemon butter sauce or a side of tartar sauce for extra zing.
By following these simple tips, you can cook a perfect fish fillet that is flavorful, tender, and sure to impress. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your favorite way of preparing fish fillets.
